Borrow

The Israelites "borrowed" from the Egyptians ( Exodus 12:35 , RSV, "asked") in accordance with a divine command ( 3:22 ; 11:2 ). But the word (sha'al) so rendered here means simply and always to "request" or "demand." The Hebrew had another word which is properly translated "borrow" in Deuteronomy 28:12 ; Psalms 37:21 . It was well known that the parting was final. The Egyptians were so anxious to get the Israelites away out of their land that "they let them have what they asked" ( Exodus 12:36 , RSV), or literally "made them to ask," urged them to take whatever they desired and depart. (See LOAN .)